MY mom has come in from out of state (CA) and she is bi-polar, and her meds have run out. she is not able to fill her prescription here because it is the state insurance (through the gov't)
my dilemma: she's here for 3 more weeks, and i CAN NOT deal w/ her when she isn't on her medication.
q: does anyone know a way around the "system"?? so she can get her prescription filled here???
please help. i'm going nuts over here w/ her 'tude problem.
thanks in advance!!
2007-07-07 12:22:35 · 10 answers · asked by who cares! 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
***in addition:
there is no way to contact the people for the state insurance, no phone number or anything... and it's 400$ for 30 pills.... so paying out of pocket is NOT an option.
2007-07-07 12:39:03 · update #1
I am a medical professional and specialize in mental health. I also work in an emergency room. This is the answer you need: take her to the local ER. They must treat her, regardless of ability to pay, and they will not let her leave without a prescription. Just do it!
2007-07-07 12:37:01 · answer #1 · answered by Honeyface 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here are a couple of possibilities -
Call the pharmacy number on her medicine bottles - speak with the pharmacist - ask them how to handle it.
Or...
Walk into a local pharmacy (one of the nation-wide-companies) Take your empty prescription bottles with you...
They may be able to have the prescription "transferred"
As far as paying for it........
You can always pay cash for each pill, for as many pills as required.
Or, if you go through the original home druggist, they can mail it to you.
WHILE I don't recommend it, one possible method I have used to get through when short on meds, is to cut back on the dosage, taking 1/2 the usual amount rather than going totally without. (I did feel some effect, but I was certainly better off than if I'd gone totally without)
IN THE FUTURE encourage dear Mom to arrange for her prescriptions BEFORE LEAVING HOME. Of course, all this is really Mom's problem, but, as you will be a recipient of the consequences, it would be in your best interest to see that she gets the meds...one way or another.
During her visit - try to plan a special outing for each week. It doesn't have to cost anything, or much. Maybe a walk through the botanic garden, dessert at the corner cafe, watching the sun set from a scenic location, etc. Memory making will help you both to feel more satisfied with her visit.
2007-07-07 19:45:01 · answer #2 · answered by Hope 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If Mom has any friends at home who can fill/pick up her meds in California, she can use her MediCal, and have her normal payment. (The $3-$9 or whatever it is).
The trick is to get her meds FILLED IN CALIFORNIA BEFORE SHE RUNS OUT, AND MAILED TO YOUR HOUSE....Prior to her driving you nuts.
I'm going through the same EXACT thing, and that's the only way we found to get meds without going broke. Seems like she's on brand-name medication, if they're about $400 for a 30-days supply. Therefore, she probably shouldn't change her meds. You don't want to risk a seizure on top of everything else.
Try finding someone she knows back home to get her prescription filled at her usual pharmacy. If worse comes to worse, the ER could work, but it's usually $150 to just walk through the door.
........Yeah, these people are right, they can't refuse service at the ER, however, she can expect some nice medical bills from the emergency room to meet her at her door when she returns home.
2007-07-07 19:49:41 · answer #3 · answered by Valaskjálf - 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She should be able to have a month of her prescription transferred to your pharmacy but she will have to pay for it out of pocket without insurance. (Call her pharmacy to see if they can call it in to one local to you)
However, she can get a drug plan on line and print out a card for $5 a month (or so) that will save maybe 50% of the cost of the meds immediately. Still not cheap, but worth the savings.
www.rxdrugcard.com
Also, if she has a AAA card, I believe they have some sort of discount available at participating pharmacies.
Good Luck.
2007-07-07 19:36:52 · answer #4 · answered by coffee4me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the pharmacy that filled her prescription and ask them for their advice. Maybe they can forward the prescription to your druggist and charge CA, then transfer the funds to your druggist. Call them and see what they say.
If that doesn't work, call her doctor, have the doctor order a prescription for your mom at your drugstore and just pay for the meds.
2007-07-07 19:33:16 · answer #5 · answered by leslie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call her doc in Ca and ask him to call in a prescription where you live - pay out of pocket for the drugs.
2007-07-07 19:30:11 · answer #6 · answered by jdancy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please take the previous advice about contacting her doctor in California. He should definitely be able to help. Also, if you contact your local mental health association they can help you find low cost or free access to medication for her. If you have a mental health facility in your area, they will also provide you with accessible resources .
2007-07-07 19:45:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to get in contact with her doctor and see if s/he has any samples of that medication available. If not, they may be able to get in contact with another doctor or their pharmaceutical rep to get some samples.
2007-07-07 19:45:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Drugs are not the answer! She needs to exercise more and eat all-natural foods with lots of vitamins and learn some meditation techniques!!!!! Lots of veggies! Bipolar disorder is a made up disease by the US gov. to scam people out of money!
2007-07-07 19:41:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
i am sorry.does she have a place she usually gets here medicine sometimes you can call them and they can send some.or call her insurance and tell them the circumstance and sometimes they will help.
2007-07-07 19:33:42 · answer #10 · answered by a mother of 1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋